Early early start... 5:30am and -1 degrees in the old Prague town..on the next train to the next destination Vienna Austria.. The capital of Austria . with a population of 1.8 million in the city centre (more than 25% of Austria's population),as well as being Austria's cultural, economic and political centre Each year since 2005, Vienna has been the world's number one destination for international congresses and conventions. Vienna attracts about five million tourists a year.

Nice, warm & cozily enclosed in our train compartment for the next 4. 5 hours for the distance of 300 kms, the day dawned with a hint of pink. Once again the kilometers whizzing by showed several seasons.. A touch of rain, a little light snow and then the big one.. a regular snow storm!! Chuffing through the Czech republic, the fields, homes and everything not undercover had a thick blanket of the white magic ( to a tourist, that is!) over it

.so thick was it at times the view became very bleak..and then ..in a blink of a eye..just before Vienna, Austria, the fields were once again wet ..then no sign of any snow at all...Considering it a sign of good luck, the trek from station to hotel Meininger in downtown Vienna was without dramas.. wet luggage, people etc.Once again early risers are early checking in(ners)..leave your luggage ..go explore.. said the ever so helpful staff . Better take our umbrellas .. the sky is a little black way over yonder, was the decision.. Out into the cloudy but patchy blue sky/ Austrian world we ventured.. arrived at the largest Xmas market at "Vienna's City Hall Square" It is an unforgettable highlight for visitors eager to get into the Christmas spirit. The unique backdrop of the Burgtheater and Vienna City Hall gives this Christmas Market a charm all of its own, and the delicious aroma of punch, traditional gingerbread and the variety of xmas decorations etc is sure to lull all visitors into the seasonal joy. Fantastic I say.. a clever side event is the Children's craft sessions run inside the hall.. here for a few euros, kiddies can create a special memento..probably a xmas gift for their favourite gran etc..a birdfeeder, a luggage tag, biscuits and candles were a few of the items being created as we strolled by.The intensity on the little faces was a delight to see.

. one can only imagine their delight as Oma or Opa open that special gift..Seeing that black cloud come closer, one imagined that rain was the obvious outcome.. but no!! The heaviest snowfall covered all and sundry in a matter of minutes.. delighted was this novice snow person, annoyed were the stall holders, Mum's with kiddies etc... Not letting up for quite a few hours , it was just a walk in the white stuff , revel ling in it. What a way to see Xmas markets I say.. plenty of warm clothes, umbrella in hand, a hot wine here and there and Vienna had a happy traveler. Side note.. the coffee in the famous and elegant Landtmann cafe..circa 1873.. went down very well with a serve of their equally famous apple strudel.. This legendary Café has been and continues to be one of the most popular in Vienna with regulars such as the late and still greats...Marlene Dietrich, Romy Schneider, Burt Lancaster, the Dutch Queen Juliane, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sir Paul Mc Cartney and now the Aussie traveler.The avenues & streets of the inner Vienna have gigantic, impressive buildings from yesteryear.. I'm sure tomorrow will show us some of Vienna's history and more of the fabulous Christmas spirit.

Comments

Patricia Carr
on Dec 7, 2012 at 04:21AM

It was beaut to read your b log and to see
vienna as I have never seen it Maureen
Just lovely !! Pat

Patricia Carr
on Dec 7, 2012 at 10:10PM

Ahhhhhhh! Vienna !!!! How lovely and what music fills my ear. Was that the
Vienna, city of my dreams ??? Just lovely Maureen. I lived it with you tho when I was there ther was no snow, only hot days, but just the same how it brought it all back to me.We have hot days here at present, today is 37 degrees and that is hot. Much love from Pat